| Document and Entity Information | Apr. 07, 2021 |
| Cover [Abstract] | |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Document Period End Date | Apr. 7, 2021 |
| Entity Registrant Name | CoreCivic, Inc. |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | MD |
| Entity File Number | 001-16109 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 62-1763875 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 5501 VIRGINIA WAY |
| Entity Address, City or Town | BRENTWOOD |
| Entity Address, State or Province | TN |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 37027 |
| City Area Code | 615 |
| Local Phone Number | 263-3000 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0001070985 |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Common Stock |
| Trading Symbol | CXW |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
